The Anambra State Government says plans are underway to construct an international drug market that will reduce influx of adulterated drugs.
Dr Afam Obidike, the state Commissioner for Health, made the disclosure in Onitsha on Thursday, during an on-the-spot assessment of the location at Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
Obidike, along with officials of the state Physical Planning Board said that the market would also reduce the influx of low quality drugs into homes and health facilities.
”Anambra is one of the four states benefitting from the project alongside, Kano, Abia and Lagos; with works in the other three states almost at different completion stages.
“Unfortunately, the project is unable to take off in Anambra due to bottlenecks and encroachment by illegal developers.
“Gov. Charles Soludo’s administration has vested interest in the project and he wants it to be a world standard market, which is why he sent us on this visit to ascertain if the the project and its location meet international requirement.
“The governor is optimistic that this project will reduce the influx of adulterated and low quality drugs into Anambra homes and health facilities,” he said.
Mr Chike Maduekwe, Chairman, Anambra State Physical Planning Board, said that the project had been in the pipeline for a very long time.
According to him, the project has been approved by the Federal Government and the Physical Society of Nigeria to build a world-class drug market.
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“The governor has also directed that we issue notice to illegal occupants which has been done.
”We are advising individuals who have issues to come forward and show their interest as the governor is deeply committed to moving this project forward.
“To ensure proper control of the environment where drugs are sold, the land was acquired by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria and they are willing to go ahead with the project,” Maduekwe said.
In his remarks, Dr Ifedirora Amobi, the Managing Director, Anambra Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, said that the project, besides, delivery of services to the people of the state, would also increase internally generated revenue.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state officials sealed off ongoing illegal structure built on site and eviction notices served to owners.(NAN)